Big Girl Panties

You've heard the expression, "Pull on your big girl panties," haven't you? It's a call to act like an adult in a given situation, usually directed toward a woman. "Come on, Gretchen," my husband might encourage as we scale a major hill on a bike ride, "pull on your big girl panties and shift into low gear - you can do it!"

Today, however, I mean "big girl panties" in the literal sense. If you're over 16 years old and anywhere past the 125 pound mark on the scale, you need serious foundation garments if you're going to look like an adult with well fitting clothes.

Spanx, Yummie Tummie and Wacoal all make wonderful underwear designed to lift and separate, smooth and shape, and help sort out the junk in the trunk. Regardless of one's size, be it petite, missy or plus, the right foundation garments will add support and give shape to a woman's body.

Ladies, if you're not going to wear control-top hosiery (pantyhose or opaque tights), please consider adding a tad more compression to your bottom line. You'll look a few pounds slimmer, and your clothes will fit better. And who knows, you'll probably take any steep hills you encounter during the day with more skill and confidence, and of course, more elegance.

Complimentary Business Etiquette 101 Booklet

We continue to get requests for the booklet, "Business Etiquette 101 - 30 Absolutely, Never Evers for Business, Dining & First Impressions." This tiny book is filled with great advice for new professionals and seasoned execs, such as:

• Absolutely never ever appear too casual for a business situation. This means no flip-flops, sneakers, jeans or t-shirts. This includes any "casual day" - remember, you're at WORK.
• Absolutely never ever lose your cool. Keeping your emotions in check at all times makes you a professional.

Readers of this blog may get a free copy ($6.00 value) by sending an email request with their mailing address.

Who Said There Was a Problem?

The proper response to "thank you," is "you're welcome." Over and over again I hear sales clerks, waiters and various other customer-facing service people use "no problem," or worse, "no worries," when replying to someone saying thank you. When one is paying for a meal and tells the waiter they enjoyed themselves, the answer is NOT, "no problem." When one asks for directions and thanks the person, the answer is NOT, "no problem." Whoever said there was a problem to begin with?
Managers, please coach your sales team to reply with any of the following when working with customers who say thanks:

• You're welcome;
• It was my pleasure;
• Certainly, you're welcome;
• Of course, it was my pleasure, we hope to see you again soon.

Instant Confidence - Sometimes on Sale!

Nothing makes me happier than to introduce men and women to brands of clothing they never heard of or never tried, often to hear, "Wow! There's a reason this stuff costs so much - it makes me feel 10 feet tall."

That's how I felt many moons ago when I was introduced to St. John, a high-end line of knitwear still made in the USA. Many of the women execs I work with discover the instant confidence that one feels the minute the jacket gets zipped, buttoned or tied. To be sure, St. John isn't for everyone, and it's price point can rival a few car payments, but make no mistake, wearing St. John makes a statement. Those who wear it are saying they have arrived and mean business.

These two jackets just happen to be on sale at Nordstrom. On the left, St. John Crinkle Knit Blazer ($1295 now $514); on the right, St. John Collection 'Parisian' Windowpane Plaid Knit Jacket ($1595 now $694).

Five Steps Out of the Frump Zone

After the age of 40 or so, women tend to lean into what I call the "Frump Zone." Those in the Zone haven't had a proper bra fitting, don't wear shapewear, haven't changed their hairstyle in the past 5 years, think of shoes only in the context of comfort, and never try on something new or different, be it a style, cut or color.

If you see yourself heading toward the Frump Zone, or feel you've never left, January is a great time to freshen things up and get your game back!

1. A properly fitted bra will make you feel like a million, regardless of your size. Seek a qualified professional to measure you and try on lots and lots of styles to find the one perfect for you. You'll stand taller, look slimmer and your clothing will fit better - guaranteed. If you gain or lose 10 pounds, it's important to get re-fitted.

2. Shapewear is a girl's best friend. There are many garments on the market engineered to slim and trim problem areas such as tummies, back bulge, hips and thighs (Spanx, Wacoal, Yummie Tummie, TC Fine Shapewear). Again, trying on several of these items under your clothes will have an amazing impact on how you look and feel.

3. Your hairstyle should evolve with you, not stay stuck in the past. Maybe this year is the time to find a new stylist who will update your look. Many, many women are terrified of changing their hairstyle, but sometimes you've just gotta feel the fear and do it anyway (if you're a fan of TLC's What Not to Wear, you know what I'm talking about). A new do is one of the quickest and easiest ways to exit the Frump Zone. Personally, last summer I stopped coloring my hair. See above for the before and after shots. Freeing? Yes. Liberating? Yes! More youthful? You be the judge.

4. Shoes are a crucial accessory to one's overall look. If you're a working professional, your shoes should be well made and well maintained (yes, ladies should have their shoes polished regularly). Cheap shoes can be spotted a mile away, so if you're trying to let the world know you are a successful businesswoman, wear the best shoes you can afford (Ferragamo, Bruno Magli, Cole Haan, and if you've got a few extra bucks and comfort is key, check out Anyi Lu - handmade in Italy and really, really worth the money).

5. The next time you're shopping for clothes, try on some things you'd never consider before. Perhaps it's a color you'd usually pass over or a style of jacket or cardigan you'd normally say no to. Getting the help of a good sales person or better yet, a Personal Stylist, will save you time and in the long run, money, by identifying new items that are fresh, modern, and right for you.